If you’re interested in technology, and are good at understanding how the brain of a computer works, then a career in the field of Information Technology (IT) would not just be perfect for you, but also rather lucrative. With more and more businesses and companies (and in fact, every aspect of our day-to-day life) increasingly relying on technology, you can only expect to rise in this career.
So, here are 10 tech-related career options that you can pursue, depending on your interests, skill set, and qualifications.
1.Cyber Security
One of the biggest downsides of the Internet and technology is all the hacking and phishing and scamming that goes on, bringing big and small companies down to their knees and making millions of innocent people lose a lot of their hard-earned money.
In that light, a career relating to cybersecurity is very much the need of the hour (and as hackers get even smarter, so do cybersecurity experts, so this field is only going to expand and grow in the years to come). Having a masters in cyber security online will be of great help if you want to pursue this avenue further.
2. Software Developer/ Computer Programmer
If you’ve always enjoyed solving puzzles and problems and love to ideate, create and innovate, then you could think of becoming a Software Developer (also known as a Computer Programmer). A Software Developer is a creative genius behind all the apps you use on your smartphone, all the programs you use for work, and all the games you play on your computer.
There are two types of software developers: those who focus on a specific computer program or app (known as Applications Software Developers) and those who work on creating a larger, more intricate, and complicated network or underlying system that helps power other programs (known as Systems Software Developers). Both require a healthy degree of technical knowledge and creative effort, and the willingness to constantly adopt new skills, such as learning how to squash commits in Git. This will keep you refined as a professional.
3. Web Developer
A web developer’s job profile is similar to that of a software developer, though there is a difference. Web developers are also programmers; however, they specialize in the development of World Wibe Web (www) programs and use a client-server model. If you’ve heard the terms HTML, Java Script, CSS, PHP and the like, then that’s what web developers deal with!
4.Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Analysts help organizations and companies use technology effectively and efficiently. Their job profile includes researching and testing out new technologies to see if they are cost-effective, compatible with and better to use for their organization and its clients; and adding new functionalities to existing systems.
There are three types of computer systems analysts, based on differing job descriptions. Systems Designers or Architects work towards finding technical solutions for a company’s long-term goals. Software Quality Assurance (QA) Analysts test and diagnose problems in computer systems. And Programmer Analysts develop and write code for software that meets their organizations’ or clients’ needs.
5. Network And Computer Systems Administrator
As the name suggests, a Network and Computer Systems Administrator’s role is akin to the admin role of someone in a company, the only difference being the admin they carry out is with regards to the computer systems of the company. In other words, they are responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer networks. They install, organize and support an organization’s computer systems, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), intranets and other data communication systems.
6. Computer Support Specialist
A Computer Support Specialist’s job is similar to that of a Network and Computer Systems Administrator. They provide help and advice to computer users and organizations. Because of the wide range of skills needed and used in different computer support jobs, there are many paths into the occupation, but of course a background in computers and IT is essential.
Also, owing to the nature of the work (people need computer support at any time of the day or night, seven days a week), this isn’t a typical 9-5 job and a Computer Support Specialist usually works different shifts and is also expected to work on some weekends.
7. Data Scientist
The avenue of Data Scientists is a relatively new one in the world of tech and IT. They are, essentially, analytical data experts who have the technical skills and expertise to solve complex problems.
As far as their job profile goes, one can say they are a part computer scientist, part mathematician, and part trend-spotter (as it is also their job to spot new and emerging trends in the field of science and technology and test them out to see if they can work for an organization or a specific program).
Most Data Scientists start out as Data Analysts (see next point) and then get promoted to Data Scientists.
8. Data Analyst
Data Analysts basically analyze different types of data, to determine what works, what needs to be improved and what is in fact detrimental for a company.
Their job profile includes designing and maintaining data systems and databases; fixing bugs and coding errors in these data systems; researching data and then reorganizing it in a format that can be easily understood by non-technical people; using statistics to interpret trends and working with programmers and engineers to put that data into proper systems of use.
9. Sales Engineer
A sales engineer is someone who sells scientific and technological products or services to businesses and organizations. They obviously must have extensive knowledge of the product they are selling, and the scientific processes related to that product.
While their job is highly sales-related, it is also heavily based on science and technology, as they need to have a sound knowledge of the product/ system they are selling. It’s not your normal salesman and marketing job
10. IT Manager
Last but certainly not the least is the role of an IT Manager, who, as the title suggests, manages the IT department of a firm or organization. They are the guides who help companies navigate the ever-changing maze of modern technology, overseeing most of the other departments related to IT. Yet, they are not the masterminds behind the tech; rather the ones that plan, collaborate, oversee and make decisions about an organization’s tech issues.
